J. N. Haller
J. N. Haller, the enterprising grocer, has been long
and closely identified with the city of Lima. He was born in June,
1851, in German township, this county, where he was reared and educated.
His father was Samuel Haller who located in Allen County about 1840 and
died in Lima in 1860. Both the father and grandfather, who was named
Samuel, were brickmasons and built most of the brick buildings which
were erected here prior to their death.
J. N. Haller learned the trade of mason and was engaged in that
work for a number of years, giving special attention to plastering. He
spent three years in the South, one in a printing office at Singerglen,
Virginia, and two in the shipyards of Baltimore, Maryland. Returning to
Lima, which had been his home since his third year, he engaged in the
newspaper business, and for eight years had charge of the advertising
and the subscription list of the old Republican. Being appointed
patrolman on the police force of Lima, he served three years in that
capacity, and then was promoted to the position of chief of police of
Lima, in which capacity he served two years. In 1897 he worked at his
trade, and the year following embarked in the grocery business which he
still conducts. He erected the fine business block at 613 West Wayne
street, where he is located and meeting with merited success.
Mr. Haller was married in 1873 to Emma Smith, daughter of Judge
Smith who was surveyor of Paulding County for several years and, later,
probate judge. Mr. and Mrs. Haller have one son, C.C. Haller, who in
the November election of 1905 was the Republican nominee for sheriff of
Van Wert County. He is a prominent Mason and a Knight Templar. J. N.
Haller has taken an active interest in the good government of the city
and was formerly a member of the City Council. He is a zealous member of
the Disciples' Church and a man who is esteemed for his uprightness and
honor. Mr. Haller was made a Knight of Pythias, Baltimore, Maryland, 36
years ago and was a prime factor in organizing Lima Lodge, No. 91. He
has passed through all the offices and has twice represented the local
lodge at the Grand Lodge.